Above the Influence

About the Program

Above the Influence is an alcohol and drug education program targeted to youth in grades 6-12. Based on the Office of National Drug Control Policy's Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, Harford County's Above the Influence program is inspired by surveys from local teens, revealing details about their lives and how they deal with the influences that shape their decisions.

The goal of the program is to help teens stand up to negative pressures, or influences by learning refusal skills. Making youth aware of the influences around them better prepares them to face situations including the pressure to use drugs, pills and alcohol. Above the Influence helps teens make their own decisions based on different perspectives and the latest facts - without being told how to run their lives - to live Above the Influence.

Class Schedule

Program Details

The program is divided into 3 main topics: alcohol, marijuana, and heroin education. The alcohol portion focuses on education and features a victim impact speaker, a discussion on the effects of alcohol and drug use on the family, as well as some interactive activities. The drug education unit focuses on marijuana, heroin, synthetic drugs, and prescription drug abuse, and also features a victim impact speaker. On occasion, the Harford County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit will provide a demonstration and speak with attendees about the legal aspect of underage drinking, drug use, and driving under the influence.